I know that some of you must think that I’m an anarchist. I have BMW-ed—that’s “bitched, moaned and whined” in California speak—about most of the regulators of aviation at one point or another. Whether it’s the FAA or the NTSB, I have my concerns. After 40-plus years in the helicopter business I have seen instances of abuse of power that reinforces Lord...

A new study from John Hopkins University published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association concludes that critically injured patients transported via helicopter to level I or level II...

The April 2012 issue of Rotor & Wing examines various options for operators in “Weather Radar: Navigating the Storm”. The article provides a starting point for pilots and operators when it comes to airborne weather radar. Outside of the Honeywell and Rockwell Collins’ radar systems that are mentioned, operators can also find L-3 Communications’ Stormscope and Insight...

One of Italy’s 10 new HH-139As in service with the Air Force. AgustaWestland AgustaWestland has handed over the first of 10 HH-139As to the Italian Air Force. The helicopters will serve in search and rescue (SAR)...

Writing this while on a plane back from Dallas after a busy and eventful Heli-Expo, I’m finally getting the chance to finish a thought that struck me early on during the non-stop four-day event. Let’s be honest—the world’s largest rotorcraft event is about people. As much as “the blitz” of new helicopters, equipment, upgrades, technology developments, STC programs and...

Sikorsky has signed with Brazilian operator Lider Aviacao to provide three S-92s. Lider will use the helicopters for offshore oil and gas transport for Petrobras. The purchase adds to Lider’s fleet of four S-92s and 42 S-76s. Sikorsky expects deliveries to begin later this year. Mexican operator Aeroservicios...

Viktor Ruklinski announces the CIS’ intent to partner with IHST. Photo by Chris Sheppard During Heli-Expo, the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) held a town hall meeting open to all pilots, safety managers and anyone interested in helicopter safety issues. Attendees raised a number of concerns, including the lighting on wind towers and heliports that is currently invisible to night vision...

UK-based Step Change in Safety has appointed Bristow Helicopters Capt. Tim Glasspool as co-chairman of its Helicopter Safety Steering Group (HSSG). Glasspool is the head of flight operations for the European business unit at Bristow and is a member of the British Helicopter Association (BHA)’s Council of Management. He also represents the European Helicopter Association (EHA) as a member of the...

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